Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan discussed at his Tuesday NFL Scouting Combine press conference that the team likely will be looking to make an acquisition on the defensive line. On Tuesday, reports surfaced that the Washington Commanders have permitted defensive lineman Jonathan Allen to seek a trade this offseason.
Allen is entering the final year of his contract from an extension signed with the team in 2021. Allen is coming off of an injury-plagued season that limited him to only eight regular season games this season. He finished the year with only three sacks, seven quarterback hits, and three tackles for loss.
Allen could be a good fit in Pittsburgh–especially after Khan stated that the Steelers have the resources to make a splash on the defensive line on Tuesday. Allen primarily lines up as a three-technique and four i-technique lineman who has made a career of being a strong pass rusher; something the Steelers value in their defense.
Pittsburgh Steelers OTs Troy Fautanu and Broderick Jones at practice on Wednesday, Sept 20, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
The Steelers have made the trenches a point of emphasis since Khan and assistant general manager Andy Weidl were hired in 2022. The Steelers have spent five draft picks in the past two drafts in the third-round or earlier on positions all along the defensive and offensive lines. Pittsburgh is looking to replicate a similar blueprint to that of the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles .
With the new league year fast approaching, the Steelers will likely be doing their due diligence on all players available as Khan highlighted. The quarterback position remains a priority as well as the receiver position , but the defensive line is certainly an area Pittsburgh wants to bolster.
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